JPS61197971A - Artificial snow supply facility to skiing ground - Google Patents

Abstract

A feed device for automatically controlling the operation of a snow gun, the device having an axially displaceable slide to selectively feed air and water under pressure to the snow gun and bleed water from the device, the device incorporating a control system including a geared motor for moving the slide, a conversion module for operating the geared motor in accordance with the outputs of sensors positioned to determine outlet water pressure, temperature and humidity at the site of the snow gun, the conversion module being operatively connected to a central computer adapted to control the operation of a series of snow guns and feed devices located along a ski slope.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Field of Application] This invention relates to equipment for producing artificial snow for ski resorts, such as patent US-A-3706614 and US-A-3.
Publication No. 372872 or patent US-A-2676471
This invention relates to an improvement of a snow gun feeding device in equipment such as that described in the above publication.

[Conventional technology]

Artificial snow at ski resorts is produced by a well-known method in which a mixed fluid of air and water is sprayed into a predetermined location in the form of mist into the low-temperature surrounding air using a snow gun.

In the case of an installation according to the invention, for example patent EP-804
The snow gun described in Publication No. 00504.9 is used.

In existing snowmaking equipment, compressed air and compressed water are separated via pipes located at snow-covered ski resorts. The connecting parts of the snow gun are approximately 30m along the pipe.
Provided in protectors spaced at intervals of ~50 m.

As a result of the development of new methods, it is possible to know the facts in the operation of snowmaking equipment in ski resorts. Also, EP-A-
Publication No. 0004803 outlines the possibilities for development and indeed new measures are being implemented in this field.

The selection of ski resorts and the activation of equipment is done by a central computer. The central computer takes into account the temperatures at various locations along the ski slope. Conventional manual operations are used, for example, to replenish predetermined locations on ski slopes where snow cover has significantly decreased, creating problems regarding the selection of snow guns.

Manual operation also requires opening the air and water valves in each selected protector before starting the equipment.

Considering the temperature changes at ski resorts, there are various cases where the starting and stopping of equipment may not be well controlled in a particular area, although it may work at other ski resorts or adjacent areas.

[Purpose of the invention]

The invention aims to eliminate the disadvantages of existing equipment.

The first object of this invention is to eliminate manual operations carried out by operators within the protective bodies provided at ski resorts, which lead to a deterioration in the performance of the equipment, and which are less difficult than manual operations and which can be carried out by operators in protective bodies provided in ski resorts. It is not affected by this and does not become expensive.

Another object of the invention is to take advantage of the climatic conditions, in particular the temperature, in order to be able to supply large quantities of artificial snow to all locations of the ski resort. In particular, it is well known that temperature has a great effect on the production of artificial snow, and artificial snow produced by snow guns is produced at a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, and at a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius.
In fact, it's twice that.

Another object of the present invention is to provide equipment that enables the installation and monitoring of a large number of snow guns installed at the edge of a ski resort and that greatly improves the ability to make artificial snow.

Another important object of the invention is to provide equipment that does not require special investment, considering the large number of snow guns.

To achieve these objectives, the present invention proposes a new feeding device for snow guns. This supply device is installed in each protection body at the ski resort and has a multifunctional sliding distribution valve. The slide distribution valve is connected to a compressed air line and a compressed wood pipe for feeding the snow gun.

Slide distribution valves are well known devices and come in a variety of common uses and different configurations. For example, FR-A
Publication No. -966043 relates to a special application of a sliding distribution valve for automatically operating heat generators.

Additionally, US Pat. No. 2,011,329 relates to a valve with a mixing tap connected to a hot water pipe and a water pipe.

German patent DE-A-2551180 describes a valve consisting of modular parts.

All the above-mentioned publications describe different possibilities of sliding distribution valves. Such possibilities are also demonstrated by the present invention as the slide distribution valve has the following functions:

Supplying air to snow geese.

Supply water to snow geese.

Perform fluid extraction to the snow gun by the supply circuit using a one-slide distribution valve.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the feeding device has means for automatically operating the sliding distribution valve, the means comprising a sliding operating device such as an electric gear motor or a system for automatically operating the operating device. Consists of equipment.

According to the invention, the slide distribution valve has an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle, preferably arranged in the same plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the body of the slide distribution valve, and extending with a bleed orifice. It consists of a body and a slider having a cylindrical closure that slides within the body to control the flow of water, air and waste water through the body of the sliding distribution valve.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air flow passes through one end of the body of the slide distribution valve located on the same side as the slide operating device. A bleed orifice is located at the other end of the body.

The body of the sliding distribution valve has a cylindrical passage through which the water and air flows cooperate with the cylindrical closure of the slider.

According to the device of the invention, the distance between the upstream ends of the cylindrical passage through which the water flow and the air flow pass in the main body is greater than the distance between the seals of the compressed air and compressed water of the slider. is also large. The closure of the slider serves the function of delaying the start of the water supply with respect to the start of the air supply.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water closure comprises:
Downstream of the seal, it has a cylindrical section for substantial head loss, the length of which is substantially equal to 3 of the slider travel distance.
Equal to 1/1. This allows the water flow to be set progressively through the sliding distribution valve.

According to another embodiment of the invention, extraction is carried out by communication between the orifice, the cylindrical cavity of the slider, and the outlet nozzle external to the slide distribution valve via the outlet nozzle volute. The cylindrical cavity is closed by a cylindrical stem integral to the body. The distance apart from the upstream end of the water flow passage to the seal of the cylindrical stem is greater than the distance separated from the seal of the air flow closure to the inlet end of the cylindrical cavity of the slider. The distance separating the seals of the cylindrical stem is less than the distance separating the seals of the water flow closure to the inlet end of the cylindrical cavity of the slide. This causes the closing of the bleed orifice to be delayed with respect to the initiation of the air supply. However, this delay is smaller than the delay in the start of the water supply for the same start as the air supply.

In order for the equipment to operate effectively, especially under certain temperature conditions, the slide distribution valve automatically regulates the flow of water to the snow gun and may have additional functions.

According to the invention, the means for regulating the flow rate of water essentially form within the body of the sliding distribution valve a flared duct having a partially varying cross-section and increasing in the direction from downstream to upstream. . In addition, the downstream end of the closed part of the water flow is
The water flow is regulated in front of a cylindrical passage defined by upstream and downstream ends.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the regulation of the flow rate of water passing through the slide distribution valve is carried out by a controlled displacement of a slider within the slide distribution valve. The water flow path is
Matches the slider movement displacement. The rate at which the flow rate ratio increases is constant regardless of the pressure of the supplied water. This feature has a wide range of variation ratios, which can be from 1 to 10, even if the slide distribution valve is used with different types and power snow guns.

According to another embodiment B of the invention, the snow gun supply device has a device for operating a slider of a slide distribution valve. This operating device consists of a bidirectional electric gear motor. This gear motor operates the slider via a screw that threads into a threaded hole at the end of the slider.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the screw for operating the slider is integral with the slide bearing so that the operating torque of the slider is small.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the slider is restrained against rotation by a pin guided in the longitudinal opening, cooperating with a device for indicating the position of the slider.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for operating the slider is integral with the end of the body of the slide distribution valve and is provided within the housing.

According to the invention, the electric gear motor is operated by an automatic control system in which the artificial snow produced at the ski resort constitutes a central computer. The central computer is connected by electrical wires, such as telephone lines, to an electronic conversion module located within the housing of the snow gun feeder.

According to the invention, the electronic conversion module comprises a modulator, A
/D converter, logic input and logic output,
All these devices are controlled by a microprocessor with permanent memory of the EPROM type. The logical output is
It is connected to the device that operates the slider of the slide distribution valve. The logic input is in communication with an end-of-travel indicator and its position within the housing. The analog logic input receives the signal of a pressure sensor located within the outlet nozzle of the sliding distribution valve. Further, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are provided near the snow gun.

The invention also relates to equipment. On the one hand, the feeding device of the snow gun, and on the other hand, its assembly.

Thereby, the supply device constitutes each electronic conversion module that is remotely controlled and in particular connected to an electric wire.

Wires central combination, by interface! -I was contacted in the evening.

Thus, the present invention eliminates the need for one or more operators on each protector to feed the snow gun. The central computer takes into account all the parameters related to the operation of the snow gun. In connection with these parameters, the snow gun is selected and the motor pump and motor compressor unit is started. As a result of this central computer, it changes the water flow rate for each snow gun depending on the temperature and selects the type of snow gun depending on the number of snow guns used. It adapts this selection to the capacity of the unit with motor pump and motor compressor.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be described in detail below based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an artificial snow making facility.

This artificial snow making equipment has a machine room 1 containing a motor pump, a motor compressor, and 0 units.

A unit of a motor pump and a motor compressor supplies compressed water and compressed air through water pipes 2 and air pipes 3 provided at a ski resort where artificial snow is supplied.

The protector 4 extends approximately 30 to 30 mm along the water pipe 2 and the air pipe 3.
They are placed at intervals of 40m. The protection body 4 on the one hand facilitates the mounting of the connecting part on the snow gun 5 and, on the other hand, prevents and protects the connecting part and the accessory part connected to the operating device of the snow gun 5 from freezing. - A central computer 6 controlling the production of artificial snow for the location or ski resorts has an interface 7 and an electronic conversion module (shown in FIG. 2) located in the machine room 1 and in each protection body 4; It is connected by a special electric wire 8 in the form of a telephone line.

The artificial snow making equipment also includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor (not shown).

The temperature and humidity sensors are provided in the immediate vicinity of the snow gun 5 within each protector 4 which is arranged along the entire length of the ski resort. The temperature and humidity sensor signals are sent to the central computer 6.

This central computer 6 operates and controls the production of artificial snow for the entire ski resort. In particular, the central computer 6 selects the snow guns to operate according to the temperature data received. The central computer 6 also starts the motor pump and motor compressor unit in the machine room 1 and automatically feeds the selected snow guns.

The electronic conversion module is shown in FIG. The electronic conversion module includes a modulator 9, an A/D connected to the wire 8.
Converter 10. These modulators 9. have a logic input 11 and a logic output 12. A/D converter 10, logic input 1
1 and logic outputs 12 are all controlled by microprocessor 13. The program of the microprocessor 13 is stored in a permanent memory of the EPROM type.

A/D converter 10 has multiple input channels for inputting analog signals from pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. Logic input 11 is communicated to the supply device. The signals of the sensors and logic inputs 11 are sent to the central computer 6. The central computer 6 responds with the logic outputs 12 of the electronic conversion module and its snowmaking program and drives the motor pump and motor compressor unit in the machine room 1 on the one hand and the supply of the selected snow gun 5 on the other hand. Activate device 14 (shown in Figure 3).

Depending on the capacity of the transmission logic, a number of protectors may be provided.

For 8-bit transmission logic, 255 protectors are provided. This is equivalent to approximately 1Qkn+,
In addition, protectors will be installed taking into account the signal regenerator, the length of the ski resort, and the overlapped areas.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a protector 4 through which water pipes 2 and air pipes 3 for compressed water and compressed air pass. The protector 4 has a supply device 14 that supplies fluid to the snow gun. This supply device 14 is connected to the water line 2 and the air line 3, respectively, via inlet nozzles 15,16. The water outlet nozzle 17 and the air outlet nozzle 18 of the supply device 14 are connected to the snow gun by a flexible tube 19,20. The snow gun is fixed to a pole 21 that is integrated with the protection body.

The supply device 14 comprises a tube 19 of the snow gun 5 and means for the snow gun itself to extract fluid. Drainage of the tube 19 of the snow gun 5 and the supply device 14 is performed by gravity. The water flows through the tube 22 and drains into the drain pipe 2.
3. A wading pipe 23 collects the water that runs down at the bottom of each protector 4. The feeding device 14 is shown in an inclined position at an angle of 456. Thus, allowing the water to drain completely by gravity, avoiding the risk of the feeding device freezing up. This measure also applies to the surroundings of the equipment.
This takes place within the cavity, within the body of the feeding device 14. Superheating means (not shown), such as rondos, can avoid or reduce the risk of icing. The electronic conversion module (FIG. 2) is completely contained within a housing that forms an extension of the top of the feeder 14.

The feeding device 14 is shown in FIG. Supply device 14
is in the form of a slide distribution valve, comprising a body 25 and a slider 26 operated by the means shown in FIG.

Air flow A, water flow E and waste water flow V pass through the body 25 of the sliding distribution valve. The inlet and outlet nozzles for the air flow and the water flow, respectively, are arranged in the same plane passing through the longitudinal axis 27 of the body 25 and the slider 26.

The part of the body 25 through which the air flow passes is preferably arranged on the side on which the housing 24 is located. Thereby, there is no risk of damage to electrical and electronic components within the housing 24 due to leakage between the slide distribution valve and the housing.

The different fluid flows are separated in a separation zone in the body 25. The separation zone is formed in cooperation with the cylindrical valve of the slider 26.

Slider 26 is shown in two halves. Slider 26
The half 26a closes the water flow E and the air flow A and opens the drainage flow V in the operating position. Furthermore, the half portion 26b of the slider 26 opens the water flow E and the air flow A and closes the drainage flow V in the operating position. The two limit positions ■ and ■ correspond to a position where the water flow and the air flow are closed, and a position where the water flow and the air flow are opened.

The total travel distance C of the slider 26 is divided into a set of continuous travel distance portions. This portion of the continuous travel distance is matched by the performance of the various functions of the slide distribution valve.

The movement of the slider 26 from position I to position ■ is performed at an extremely low speed by the operating device (FIG. 5). This operating device is provided within the housing 24. The housing 24 has an inspection flap 28 on the top and is fixed to the main body 25 by a plate 29. This results in
The housing 24 can be more easily attached and detached.

The device for operating the slider 26 consists of a bidirectional electric gear motor 30. Gear motor 30 rotates a screw 31 that operates slider 26 . The slider is on the vertical axis 27
It has a screw hole 32 at the top and end. The screw 31 is preferably supported by a thrust bearing 33 in order to reduce the operating torque of the slider 26, and is preferably integrally fixed to the gear motor 30 via a coupler 34. A support 35 of the thrust bearing 33 is provided on the main body 25.

The support body 35 has a vertical opening 36 provided in the vertical direction and a bottle 37 inside. This bottle 37 is fixed to the slider 26 and restricts rotation of the slider 26. The length of the vertical opening 36 is greater than the moving distance of the slider 26. The bin 37 is arranged at right angles to the longitudinal axis 27.

The inside of flange 38 forms an end 39 of slider 26 . A bin 37 extends behind the vertical opening 36 and also operates an indicator 40. This indicator 40 is
Indicates the position of the slider 26, and in particular indicates the end of the travel distance of the slider 26.

The indicator 40 is housed within the housing 24 by a front plate 29 that is integral with the body 25 of the slide distributor valve.

An indicator 40 at the end of the travel of the slider 26 is in communication with an electronic conversion module 41 located within the housing 24. The indicator 40 is also connected to the logic input 11 of the electronic conversion module (FIG. 2). This logic input 11 is configured to input data from the two feeders of the snow gun 5 .

The body 25 of the slide distributor valve is shown in FIG. 6 without the slider 26. The body 25 has an end portion attached to the housing 24, which is cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis 27 that connects the outside with the air flow A.
There is a separation area 42 in between.

In particular, the body 25 has an air outlet volute 43 extending to the outlet nozzle 18 . The outlet volute 43 and the outlet nozzle 18 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27 of the body 25 and in alignment with the same central plane 44 . Furthermore, the inlet nozzle 16 for the air flow A extends into the volute 45 . These inlet nozzles 16 and volutes 45 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27 of the body 25 and are in line with the same central plane 46.

These two volutes 43, 45 form the axial air passage 4
separated by 7. Further, the length of this passage 47 is substantially the same as half of the moving distance C of the slider 26. The passage 47 has chamfers 48, 49 on each side. These chamfers 49 form a cylindrical wall 50 which acts as a sheet. Also, the length of the cylindrical wall 50 is substantially the same as half the length of the passageway 47.

The axial cylindrical region 51 allows water flow E and air flow A within the body 25.
Separate. The length of this axial cylindrical region 51 is, for example, slightly larger than the moving distance C of the slider 26. Behind the axial cylindrical region 51 and in the direction away from the housing 24, there is an outlet temperature S52 of the water flow. The exit vortex 52 is
It extends to the outlet nozzle 17. This outlet nozzle 17
and the outlet volute 52 are in line, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27 of the body 25 and coincident with the same central plane 53.

A cylindrical passage 54 in the axial direction of the water flow E and an external casing 55 are connected there. This external casing 55
forms a sheet that blocks the water flow. The length of the water flow passage 54 is greater than the length of the air flow passage 47.

Upstream of the passageway 54 is an inlet volute 56 for water flow. This artificial volute 56 forms an extension of the inlet nozzle 15 . The inlet nozzle 15 is provided approximately at the center of the axis 57. This axis 57 is inclined by 45'' with respect to the longitudinal axis 27 of the body 25. This places the slide distributor valve in an inclined position, as shown in FIG. By tilting the body 25, drainage can be effected completely or almost completely from the bottom 58 of the outlet volute 52. The annular portion 59 of the inlet volute extends into a flare duct 60. , the passage 54 is reached.The flare duct 60 has a vertical axis &I2
7, and its role will be explained below.

The cross section of the flare duct narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side. The contour of the flare duct includes an axial and cylindrical separation zone 6 behind the artificial volute 56, which will be explained in more detail below.
There is 1. This separation zone 61 separates the inlet volute 56 and extends to the end of the body 25 of the sliding distributor valve.

The inlet of the separation zone 61 has a flange 62 . The length of this flange 62 is substantially greater than half the axial length of the annular portion 59 of the inlet volute 56;
It extends to the annular portion 59 of No. 6. The length of the separation area 61 is
It is the same length as the separation area 42. This is slider 26
is larger than the moving distance C.

The end 63 of the body 25 opposite the end 64 supporting the housing 24 has a covering 65 .

This covering 65 is integrally fixed to the end portion 63 by suitable fastening means. The jacket 65 has a bleed orifice 66 with the tube 22 (FIG. 3) communicating with the outside. This bleed orifice 66 guides the drain flow V to the drain pipe 23.

The body 25 of the sliding distribution valve ensures complete drainage. The bleed orifice 6G is provided at the bottom of the covering 65.

The covering body 65 has a cylindrical stem 67 provided approximately at the center of the longitudinal axis 27 extending within the separation region 6I. The stem 67 has a closure 68 and an annular seal 6 at its end.
9 is provided.

The diameter of the closure 68 is one third of the diameter of the separation zone 61. The distance apart from the covering 65 to the seal 69 is
This is substantially larger than the moving distance C of the slider 26. The end portion 63 of the main body 25 is formed to be spaced apart from the main body 25 . Specifically, it becomes possible to easily process the flare duct 60. In this case, the end 63
It is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve that completely contains 1.

Moreover, the main body 25 has an outlet nozzle 17 for the water flow E and an orifice 70 inside. This orifice 70 has
Provide a pressure sensor. This pressure sensor has housing 2
Specifically, the A/D converter 10 (second
Figure) will be contacted. The A/D converter 10 is configured to input signals from two pressure sensors of two supply devices. These supply devices are arranged close to each other within the same protection body 4 and supply to the two snow guns 5.

The separation area 42 , 51 , 61 and the passage 47 , 54 are located approximately in the center of the longitudinal axis 27 of the body 25 . Preferably, the diameters of the three separation zones and the two passages are the same.

FIG. 7 shows separation areas 42, 51, 61 and passages 47.
Slider 26 is shown moving within 54.

At the beginning of the end 39 of the slider 26 is a flange 38 . Within this flange 38 is a pin 37 that restrains the rotation of the slider 26. The diameter of flange 3 is the diameter of main body 2.
It is larger than the diameter of the separation zone 42 of No. 5.

A cylindrical stem 71 is attached to the extension of the flange 38.
is formed. The diameter of this stem 71 is substantially smaller than the diameter of the separation zone 42 of the body 25. Further, the length of the stem 71 is approximately the same as the moving distance C of the slider. At the end of this stem 71, a closure 72 is provided with an annular seal 73. This closure 72 is arranged within the separation zone 42 of the body 25 and permanently isolates the air flow outlet volute 43 from the outside. Additionally, an end of the closure portion 72 is located in the housing 24 .

Behind the closure 72 is a stem 74 . This stem 74 has a diameter approximating half the diameter of the closure 72 and a length in the region of the longitudinal axis 27 of the body 25 at least equal to the axial length of the outlet volute 43 plus the travel distance C. are the same.

The stem 74 connects the cylindrical closing portion 75 and the closing portion 72 having the same diameter. This closure 75 has two main functions. In one, airflow A passage 47 is closed;
This stops the air supply to the snow gun. Also,
In addition, the air stream and the water stream E are separated respectively, in particular the inlet of the air stream A in the area of the volute 45 and the volute 52 of the body 25.
and the outlet of the water flow E within the area are isolated from each other.

The closing portion 75 has an annular seal 76 provided at each end.
．． 77 and a central annular seal 78.

The distance between these seals 76 and 77 is the same as the moving distance C of the slider 26.

Behind the closure 75 is another cylindrical stem 79. This stem 79 has a diameter two-thirds the diameter of the closure 75 and a length substantially equal to, for example, twice its own diameter. In fact - the length of this stem 79 is the length of the separation zone 51 of the body 25.

Conical portion 80 forms an extension of stem 79 and connects said stem 79 to closure portion 81 . The half angle of the upper part of the cone is 45''. The closure part 81 serves multiple functions.

Firstly, the closure 81 has two annular seals 82, 83
has. Seal 83 is located at end 84 of slider 26 . This seal 83 is connected to the separation area 6 of the main body 25.
1 permanently isolates the inlet volute 56 from the outside. The second seal 82 has a conical portion 80
It is connected to and rearward of the downstream end 85 of the closure part 81 within the area of the closure part 81 . The distance separating seal 82 from downstream end 85 is substantially the same as the radius of closure 81 . Seal 82
and a cylindrical portion 86 located between the downstream end 85 of the closure portion 81
The role of is explained below.

The closing part 81 has a cylindrical cavity 87.

This cavity 87 communicates with the cone 80 by at least one orifice 88 . Preferably, a plurality of orifices 88 are provided, one axis of which lies in a plane passing through the axis 89 of the vial 37 on the slider 26 with respect to the body 25 . This axis 89 is arranged in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis 27 of the main body 25 and the axis 57 of the water inlet nozzle 15.

Both ends 38.84 of the slider 26 communicate with the outside to balance the slider and reduce the force required to operate the end 84 within the body 25.

FIG. 8 shows in detail, in cross section, a part of the slide distribution valve through which the water flow E passes. This part of the sliding distribution valve has means by which various functions are carried out, for example, inter alia, a closing function and a water flow regulating function.

The slider 26 includes two sliders 26a and 26
b. The slider 26a is in a position to close the water flow E. The slider 26b is at a position where the water flow E is released.

The water flow E passing through the body 25 passes through the closure 81 and the two seals 8
Closed by 2.83. These stickers 82.83
are located on the outer casing 55 of the passageway 54 and on the wall 89'' of the separation area 61 in the operating position.

The flow rate of water passing through the main body 25 is regulated by being regulated by the downstream end 85 of the closure part 81, the flare duct 60 forming an extension of the annular part 59 of the volute 56, and the passage 54 located upstream. be done.

The water flow cross-section between the flare duct and the downstream end 85 is changed by movement of the slider 26 of the sliding distribution valve within the body 25.

The moving distance of the slider that adjusts the flow rate of water is determined by the closing part 81.
begins when the downstream end 85 of the flare duct 1-60 and the passageway 54 reach the imaginary end 90 and ends when the downstream end 85 reaches the vertical inlet face 91 of the flare duct 60.

Between the positions of closure 81 is a sealing position where seal 82 does not move, ie upstream of imaginary end 90 of the body, and a position where downstream end 85 approaches imaginary end 90. Significant head losses occur between the outer casing 55 and the cylindrical portion 86 of the closure 81.
is obtained within the passageway 54 between. This head loss is varied by moving the slider 26 to obtain a progressively set effective water flow rate through the body 25. The reduction in fluid pressure downstream of the downstream end 85 is achieved by a low nozzle level when the extraction position is complete and head loss is minimal.

When the flow rate of water begins to be established through the body 25, i.e., when the downstream end 85 of the closure 81 is located upstream of the imaginary end 90 of the body 25, the seal 82 of the closure 81 closes the flare deck l-60. located on the upstream side of the river and completely returned to eliminate the risk of water flow. When a high flow rate is obtained, that is, when the slider 26 is in the fully open position, the seal 82
The seal 82 is protected when the gas enters the separation zone 61.

Specifically, the interior of the flange 62 is positioned to form an extension of the separation region 61. Seal 82 is preferably a mechanically strong seal.

FIG. 9 shows the results obtained when the slider 26 is moved within the body 25. This indicates a change in the flow rate of water feeding the snow gun connected to the outlet of the slide distribution valve. European Patent 80 400504.
Using the snow gun described in Japanese Patent No. 09, a predetermined flow rate ratio can be obtained regardless of the water volume pressure. For example, FIG. 9 shows the flow rates of three types of snow guns Y1, Y2, and Y3.

These flow rates vary from 1:1 to 2=1.

Therefore, the small snow gun Y1 obtains a flow rate that varies from 2.5 to 5 d/h. Medium-sized snow gun Y2 is 5-10m
Obtain a flow rate varying from /h. And large snow gun Y3
Is it 10~20n? Obtain a flow rate varying from /h. As is clear from Fig. 9, different types of snow guns Y1 and Y
2, the flow rate of Y3 is varied by a distance equal to the effective travel distance of the slider 26 within the body 25 of the slide distribution valve.

For this reason, the flow rate is automatically varied in each snow gun. It takes into account favorable temperature conditions and in particular doubles the amount of artificial snow produced when the temperature varies from 14°C to -20°C, for example.

This result is obtained by the contour of the flared duct 60 of the body 25. The flare duct 60 (Fig. 8) is connected to the main body 2.
5 and the inlet surface 91 of the flare duct 60, and is divided into a number of parts in the shape of a truncated cone. An example of a flare duct 60 is shown in FIG. This 10th
The figure shows a half-angle at the top of a continuous truncated cone as a distance relative to an imaginary end 90 expressed in units of length. Therefore, the half-angle beyond the distance of 5 units from the virtual end 90 is 1.86. The half angle from the virtual end 9o to units 5 to 7 is 2.6°. Unit 7 from virtual end 90
The half-width up to 8 is 8.8@.

The half angle from the virtual end 90 to the units 11 to 14 is 45''. The truncated cone is connected to the annular part 59 of the inlet nozzle 56. The angle at which the truncated cone is connected is the angle between the flare duct 6
It is rounded to provide good continuity with the contour of 0. The length of the 14 units substantially corresponds to the radius of the closure 81.

The operating mode of the slide distribution valve, in particular the operation of the slide distribution valve, will be implemented below.

The distance C of movement of slider 26 consists of a series of successive steps. Each step corresponds to a precisely defined portion of the travel distance. The special functions of the slide dispensing valve are fulfilled, all of the functions are dynamic, accurate and with great confidence.

Therefore, starting from position ■ (Fig. 4), i.e. at the position where the water and air flows are cut off, the distance ftl [cl
The first stage after is that the airflow is no longer sealed. The seal 76 of the closure 75 seals the wall 5 of the passageway 47.
0 to a position where the seal does not work in the region of the chamfered portion 48. The next step occurs after the entire travel distance c2, when the bleed orifice 66 is closed by the seal 69 of the stem 67 in the cavity 87 of the slider 26 and in a sealing position. The distance is therefore the distance separating the seal 69 from the end 92 of the chamfer 48 facing the wall 50 of the passageway 47. The distance is the distance between the cavity 87
is greater than the distance separating the seal 76 of the slider 26 from the inlet end 93 of the slider 26 . This distance difference causes a delay in closing the bleed orifice 66 with respect to allowing airflow.

Conversely, it is important to note that when the slider 26 moves from position ■ to position ■, the bleed orifice 66
hasten the opening of

The stage after the moved distance MC3 is that the water flow is no longer sealed. The seal 82 of the closing portion 81 of the slider 26 passes from a sealed position downstream of the virtual end 9o of the main body 25 to an unsealed position upstream of the virtual end 9o. On the other hand, the distance is substantially less than from the imaginary end 90 of the body 25 to the seal 82. Further, this separation distance is at most the inlet end 9 of the cavity 87 of the slider 26.
3 to the seal 82. On the other hand, the distance separating virtual end 90 and end 92 in main body 25 is greater than the distance separating seal 82 and seal 76 in slider 26.

These settings automatically provide water flow delays in conjunction with air flow allowances and in conjunction with bleed orifice 66 closures. Conversely, these settings will cause the bleed orifice 6 to move when the slider 26 passes from position ■ to position ■.
The water flow is shut off early in conjunction with the opening of No. 6 and the air flow shutoff.

The step after the distance traveled C4 corresponds to the effective water flow rate passing through the body 25. Starting from this stage, the air flow and water flow are in position ■ where they are completely open. The slider is displaced depending on the type of snow gun used. This regulates the water flow and supplies only a predetermined amount of water to the snow gun.

The water flow rate varies depending on the type of snow gun and the temperature in the vicinity of the snow gun, and is determined by the central computer 6. The water flow rate determined by the central computer 6 is
Moving the slider 26 is achieved in particular by the downstream end 85 within the flare duct 60. Therefore, regarding the feeding of snow geese, European patent 80 4000504
．． It is shown in Publication No. 09. The relationship between water flow rate and pressure is disclosed in the definition. The flow rate of water feeding the snow gun is checked by a pressure sensor located at the orifice 7° of the outlet nozzle 17.

The outlet nozzle 17 is the location where the water stream is supplied to the snow gun.

The operation of the artificial snow making equipment, including the supply device 14 shown in FIG. 1 and described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-10, is as follows.

The central computer 6 contains the ski resort's snowmaking program. Snow geese are set up near the ski resort.

Atmospheric conditions are recorded at each location, in particular at each protection body 4 provided with at least one snow gun.

The temperature sensor and humidity sensor are connected to the electronic conversion module 41
has been contacted. This electronic conversion module 41 is installed in the housing 24 of the feeding device 14 that feeds the snow gun. The data recorded by the temperature and humidity sensors are converted by an electronic conversion module 41. This is because the data is sent to the central computer 6 via the wire 8 as a digital signal. The electric wire 8 is connected to the all-electronic conversion module 41 of each protector 4. The wire 8 is connected to the central computer 6 via an interface 7 which again converts the data into digital signals. The electronic conversion module 41 also sends data regarding the state of travel of the slider 26 of the sliding distribution valve to the central computer 6 . Each data set reaches the address of the transmitter and the central computer 6 stores this data.

When the snowmaking program is supplied and the temperature and humidity conditions are obtained, the central computer 6 first starts the motor pump, motor compressor and accessories in the machine room 1. Starting of these devices is effected by the output of an electronic conversion module of the same type used in the supply device 14 and by the electrical wire 8. This means is optionally provided with one or more machine rooms. The electronic conversion module in the machine room informs the central computer 6 about, for example, the machine operating status and the water temperature.

The central computer also controls each supply device 14 as desired.
It acts to warm the main body 25 of.

When the compressed air and compressed water are under pressure action, the central computer 6 sends them back to the electronic conversion module 41 for this purpose. That is, in the snowmaking state position, a command for operation consistent with the slide distribution valve is preferred. Each electronic conversion module 41 is operated by a gear motor 30 that drives the slider 26 with power from the logic output 12 . The slider 26 is moved within the body 25 until the water flow rate is set at the snow gun depending on the atmospheric conditions where the snow gun is located. The water flow rate is checked by a pressure sensor located in the outlet nozzle 17 of the sliding distribution valve. The data recorded by the pressure sensors are sent to the central computer 6 by an electronic conversion module 41. This central computer 6 responds by moving the slider 2
Issue a command to maintain or move the position of 6.

To start the snow gun, the central computer 6 commands a preset distance of movement of the slider 26. This provides air supply. The water flow rate is similarly regulated by atmospheric conditions.

When the programmed amount of artificial snow is reached or when the atmospheric conditions are no longer favorable, the central computer 6 deactivates the snow guns. The snow gun is operated by issuing a command to the connected electronic conversion module 41 for closure. Each electronic conversion module 41 communicated by a logic output 12 connects a slider 2 via a gear motor 30.
Activate 6. This places the slider 26 in a position that interrupts airflow and waterflow, and opens the bleed orifice 66 for draining water in the snow gun's water circuit.

The invention is not limited to what is described in this example, but includes all variations consistent with the embodiment claims.

Thus, a device for operating a sliding distribution valve controls a pneumatic or hydraulic system in the same way. Similarly,
The body dimensions of the slide distribution valve and slider can vary. The dimensions of the illustrated main body are such that it can be used in a small space, it can be used as a cylindrical container, and it is possible to mechanize the operation.

The invention can also be used for applications in other fields, in particular in the field of protection from the natural environment, and can also be advantageously used in automatic watering installations or automatic spraying installations.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an installation according to the invention for supplying artificial snow to ski resorts. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic conversion module provided within the protector. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a protection body installed at a ski resort that includes a snow gun feeding device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slide distribution valve that supplies fluid to the snow gun. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the device for operating the slider. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the main body of the slide distribution valve. FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the slider of the slide distribution valve. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the slide distribution valve in the water basin without the extraction device. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the flow rate of water depending on the effective travel distance of three different types of snow guns. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the outline of the regulating portion of the slide distribution valve in the water area.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In an artificial snow supply equipment for a ski resort that supplies artificial snow by jetting a compressed mixed fluid of water and air using a snow gun connected to a protective body of the ski resort, at least the following three methods are provided:
A slide distribution valve that has two requirements (a), (b), and (c), that is, (a) supplies compressed air, (b) supplies compressed water, and (c) circuit. The slide distribution valve is provided between the compressed water pipe (2) and the compressed air pipe (3) to adjust the supply amount of the compressed fluid, and is connected to the snow gun (5). Artificial snow supply equipment for a ski resort, characterized in that a supply device for a snow gun (5) is housed in a protection body (4). 2. The supply device includes a device (30) for operating the slider (26) on the one hand and a system for automatically controlling the operating device on the other hand, and the supply device includes a device (30) for operating the slider (26) on the other hand, and a system for automatically controlling the operating device on the other hand.
6) The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 1, which is a supply device having means for automatically operating the artificial snow supply equipment. 3. The supply device includes a water inlet nozzle (15) and an air inlet nozzle (16) connected to the compressed water pipe (2) and the compressed air pipe (3) passing through the protector (4) on the one hand;
, a water outlet nozzle (17) and an air outlet nozzle (18) connected to the snow gun (5) by a tube (19) and a tube (20), and the inlet nozzle (15).
, the inlet nozzle (16), the outlet nozzle (17) and the outlet nozzle (18) are arranged along the longitudinal axis (2) of the main body (25).
7) and having an elongated body (25) provided with a bleed orifice (66), on the other hand a cylindrical slider (25) sliding within said body (25);
26), this slider (26) has cylindrical closing parts (72), (75), (81) to control the flow of water flow (E), air flow (A) and drainage flow (V). The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 1 or 2, which is a supply device configured by providing. 4. The supply device is configured such that the air flow is connected to the slider (26
) through one end of the body (25) located on the same side as the device (30) for operating the body (25), while said bleed orifice (66) passes through the other end (63) of the body (25). The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 3, which is a supply device provided. 5. The supply device according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the supply device is provided in an inclined state within the protector (4) so that the main body (25) drains all the water. Artificial snow supply equipment to the ski resorts listed in any of the above. 6. The supply device is arranged such that the main body (25) cooperates with the closing parts (75) and (81) of the slider (26) to form an axis of the air flow (A) and the water flow (E). directional cylindrical passages (47), (54), the passage (4) for the air flow (A) and the water flow (E) in the body (25);
The distance between the ends (92) and (90) of 7) and (54) is the same as the distance between the seal (76) of the slider (26) and the seal (
the distance between the slider (2) and the slider (2).
6) The supply device is configured to have the function of delaying the start of the water flow with respect to the start of the air flow (A) by the closing portions (75) and (81) of the claim 3.
- Artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to any one of Items 5 to 6. 7. The supply device has a cylindrical part (86) in which the water flow closure part (81) causes a considerable head loss downstream of the seal (82) of the slider (26), and the cylindrical part ( 8
6) a feeding device whose length is substantially identical to the length of one-third of the travel distance C of said slider (26) for said water flow to be progressively set to pass said slide distribution valve; The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 6. 8. The feeding device is arranged such that the extraction is carried out at the end (84) of the slider (26) by means of an axial cylindrical cavity (87) and an orifice (88) passing through the slider (26). 8. The equipment for supplying artificial snow to a ski resort according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the equipment is a supply device constructed by communicating the outlet nozzle (17) outside of the snow pipe. 9. The supply device is arranged in a cavity (8) of the slider (26).
7) is closed by a cylindrical stem (67) provided with a seal (69) integral with a covering (65) provided at the extraction end (63) of the body (25); An artificial snow supply facility for a ski resort according to claim 8. 10. The supply device includes a passage (47) for the air flow (A).
) from the seal (69) of the stem (67) to the seal (76) of the closure (75) of the slider (26)
) to the inlet end (93) of the cavity (87) of the water flow passageway (54), and the imaginary end (90
) to the seal (69) of said stem (67) from the seal (82) of the closure (81) of said slider (26) to the inlet end (93) of the cavity (87) of said slider (26). closing the bleed orifice (66), starting the air supply;
The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 8 or 9, which is a supply device configured to start water supply continuously at the end. 11. Artificial snow for a ski resort according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the supply device is a supply device in which the slide distribution valve has means for adjusting the flow rate of water to the snow gun. Supply equipment. 12. The supply device includes a closure part (81) in which the means for adjusting the flow rate of water regulates the flow of water within the main body (25).
12. The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 11, which is a supply device that constitutes a flare duct (60) that increases from the downstream side to the upstream side together with the downstream end (85) of the duct. 13. In the supply device, the flow rate of water passing through the slide distribution valve is adjusted by controlling the displacement of the slider (26) within the main body (25), and the flow rate is adjusted regardless of the pressure of the supplied water. 13. The artificial snow supply equipment for a ski resort according to claim 12, which is a supply device configured to increase at a substantially constant rate. 14. The supply device is configured such that the water supplied to the snow gun (5) is connected to the outlet nozzle (17) using a pressure sensor.
Claim 1 is a supply device configured to be checked by metering the pressure in the orifice (70) of the
Artificial snow supply equipment to the ski resort described in Section 3. 15. The supply device is such that when the water is sufficiently supplied, the seal (82) of the closure part (81) is provided in the annular part (59) of the inlet volute (56) of the water flow (E). 15. The artificial snow supply equipment for a ski resort according to any one of claims 11 to 14, which is a supply device configured to be protected by a flange (62). 16. The feeding device is arranged in two directions on the longitudinal axis (27) within a housing (24) in which a device (30) for operating the slider (26) is provided in an extension of the main body (25). 16. The artificial snow supply equipment for a ski resort as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15, which is a supply device comprising an electric gear motor. 17. The feeding device is a feeding device in which the gear motor operates the slider (26) by a screw (31) that is screwed into a threaded hole (32) in an end (39) of the slider (26). The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 16. 18. The feeding device is configured such that a screw (31) for operating the slider (26) is integrated with a support (35) that supports the gear motor (30) in order to reduce the operating torque of the slider (26). The artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to claim 17, which is a supply device having a thrust bearing (33). 19. The supply device is configured such that rotation of the slider (26) is guided within a vertical opening (36) and that the slider (26)
The feeding device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, which is a feeding device configured to be restrained by a pin (37) cooperating with a device (40) for indicating the end of a moving distance and its position. Artificial snow supply equipment to ski resorts. 20. The feeding device is arranged in a housing (24) in which the gear motor (30) is integral with the interface (7) and the sliding distribution valve, together with a central computer (6) controlling the snowmaking of the ski resort. A feeding device operated by an automatic control system constituted by an electronic conversion module (41), an electric wire (8) connected to the interface (7) and the electronic conversion module (41). Artificial snow supply equipment to a ski resort according to any one of items 16 to 19. 21, the supply device includes the electronic conversion module (41
) is substantially connected to said electrical wire (8);
It has an A/D converter (10), a logic input (11), and a logic output (12), including a modulator (9), an A/D converter (10), a logic input (11), and a logic output (12). 21. The equipment for supplying artificial snow to a ski resort according to claim 20, wherein the supply device is controlled by a microprocessor (13). 22. The feeding device is configured such that the logic output (12) is communicated to the gear motor (30) and the logic input (11) is a travel distance limit of the device (40) instructing the position of the slider (26). and the input of the A/D converter is connected to the outlet nozzle (17) of the sliding distribution valve on the one hand;
According to claim 21, the supply device is configured to be connected to a pressure sensor provided in an orifice (70) of the snow gun, and a temperature sensor provided in the vicinity of the snow gun (5) on the other hand. Artificial snow supply equipment to ski resorts. 23. Artificial snow making equipment at a ski resort consists of a machine room (1) containing a motor pump and a motor compressor that supply compressed air and water, a water pipe (2) and an air pipe (2) installed at the ski resort. 3) Protective bodies (4) provided at regular intervals along the water pipe (2) and the air pipe (3) for applying and protecting the connecting parts of the snow gun (5), at least one said protective body; (4) The artificial snow supply equipment for a ski resort according to any one of claims 1 to 22, which is an artificial snow production equipment for a ski resort having a snow gun supply device. 24. The artificial snow making equipment of the ski resort is such that means for automatically controlling the snow guns are provided with an interface (7) and each snow gun (5), together with a central computer (6) for controlling the artificial snow making in the ski resort. an electronic conversion module (41) provided in a housing (24) integral with the device;
), and the electric wire (8), such as a telephone line, connecting the interface (7) and the electronic conversion module (41). Artificial snow supply equipment to the listed ski resorts. 25. The artificial snow making equipment of the ski resort includes a modulator (9), an A/D converter (10), and a logic input (11) in which the electronic conversion module (41) is substantially connected to the electric wire (8). and a logic output (12), these modulators (
9), an A/D converter (10), a logic input (11) and a logic output (12) are controlled by a microprocessor (13), and the logic input (11) and logic output (12) are controlled by a microprocessor (13).
) is a device (4) for indicating the position of the slider (26).
0) and a gear motor (30), respectively, and an input of an A/D converter (10) is provided in the orifice (70) of the outlet nozzle (17) of each slide distribution valve, respectively. 25. The ski resort according to claim 24, which is an artificial snow making equipment for a ski resort, wherein the snow gun (5) is connected to a pressure sensor, and the other is connected to a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor provided in the vicinity of the snow gun (5). Artificial snow supply equipment for 26. The artificial snow making equipment of the ski resort is connected to the electric wire (8).
) connected to a modulator (9), an A/D converter (10
), at least one electronic conversion module consisting of a logic input (11) and a logic output (12), said modulator (9), an A/D converter (10), a logic input (11)
and logic outputs (12) are all provided in the machine room and controlled by the microprocessor (13), so that the motor pump and motor compressor units and accessories are automatically operated and the different fluids in the machine room are controlled by the microprocessor (13). 26. The artificial snow supply equipment for a ski resort according to claim 24 or 25, which is an artificial snow making equipment for a ski resort having a configuration in which temperature and pressure are measured and controlled.